• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.581-593
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• 2023

In the catheterization laboratory, the measurement of physiological indexes can help identify functionally significant lesions and has become one of the standard methods to guide treatment decision-making. Plaque vulnerability refers to a coronary plaque susceptible to rupture, enabling risk prediction before coronary events, and it can be detected by defining a certain type of plaque morphology on coronary imaging modalities. Although coronary physiology and plaque vulnerability have been considered different attributes of coronary artery disease, the underlying pathophysiological basis and clinical data indicate a strong correlation between coronary hemodynamic properties and vulnerable plaque. In prediction of coronary events, emerging data have suggested independent and additional implications of a physiology-based approach to a plaque-based approach. This review covers the fundamental interplay between coronary physiology and plaque morphology during disease progression with clinical data supporting this relationship and examines the clinical relevance of physiological indexes in prediction of clinical outcomes and therapeutic decision-making along with plaque vulnerability.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.219-228
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a measurement scale of nursing competence for nurses working in general wards, and to test the validity and reliability of the scale. Method: A methodological study design was used, consisting of 3 steps as conceptual framework decision, measurement items development, and testing of validity and reliability. In order to verify content validity, 16 experts reviewed the concept of each competences and measurement items. The developed measurement items were tested from 301 nurses in one hospital. Factor analysis and item analysis were applied to establish the scale's construct validity and reliability. Result: The final scale consists of nine dimensions with 70 items. The overall scale reliability had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.98, and the demensions Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.88 to 0.95. The factor loading of construct validity was from 0.40 to 0.83. The explained variance from the 9 extracted factors was 70.93% of the total variance, and final factors were labeled as critical thinking, resources management and professional development, ability of ward management, application of nursing process, ethical accountability, respectful consideration, patient centered approach, crisis management, and leadership. Conclusion: This measurement scale can be utilized to evaluate nursing competence for nurses working in general wards.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2022

A mercury sphygmomanometer (MS) has been the gold standard for pediatric blood pressure (BP) measurements, and diagnosing hypertension is critical. However, because of environmental issues, other alternatives are needed. Noninvasive BP measurement devices are largely divided into auscultatory and oscillometric types. The aneroid sphygmomanometer, the currently used auscultatory method, is inferior to MS in terms of limitations such as validation and regular calibration and difficult to apply to infants, in whom Korotkoff sounds are not audible. The oscillometric method uses an automatic device that eliminates errors caused by human observers and has the advantage of being easy to use; however, owing to its measurement accuracy issues, the development of an international validation protocol for children is important. The hybrid method, which combines the auscultatory and electronic methods, solves some of these problems by eliminating the observer bias of terminal digit preference while maintaining measurement accuracy; however, the auscultatory method remains limited. As the age-related characteristics of the pediatric group are heterogeneous, it is necessary to reconsider the appropriate BP measurement method suitable for this indication. In addition, the mobile application-based BP measurement market is growing rapidly with the development of smartphone applications. Although more research is still needed on their accuracy, many experts expect that mobile application-based BP measurement will effectively reduce medical costs due to increased ease of access and early BP management.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.45-57
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• 1997

It is mandatory to measure accurately the dose distribution and the total absorbed dose of fast neutron for putting it to the clinical use. At present the methods of measurement of fast neutron are proposed largely by American Associations of Physicists in Medicine, European Clinical Neutron Dosimetry Group, and International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements. The complexity of measurement, however, induces the methodological differences between them. In our study, therefore, we tried to establish a unique technique of measurement by means of measuring the emitted doses and the dose distribution of fast neutron beam from neutron therapy machine, and to invent a standard method of measurement adequate to our situation. For measuring the absorbed doses and the dose distribution of fast neutron beam, we used IC-17 and IC-18 ion chambers manufactured by A-150 plastic(tissue-equivalent material), IC-17M ion chamber manufactured by magnesium, TE gas and Ar gas, and RDM 2A electrometer. The magnitude of gamma-contamination intermingled with fast neutron beam was about 13％ at 5cm depth of standard irradiated field, and increased as the depth was increased. At the central axis the maximum dose depth and 50％ dose depth were 1.32cm and 14.8cm, respectively. The surface dose rate was 41.6-54.1％ throughout the entire irradiated fields and increased as the irradiated fields were increased. Beam profile was that the horn effect of about 7.5％ appeared at 2.5cm depth and the flattest at 10cm depth.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.68-73
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• 2016

Ammonia is very toxic, and causes neuronal damage via excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Because the liver is the primary organ for ammonia metabolism, compromised liver function can result from inborn errors of metabolism. Measurement of blood ammonia has some limitations. Recently, several laboratories examined possible concurrent increases in plasma ammonia. However, the collection, handling, storage, and analysis of blood samples are all potential sources of error. For evaluation of rapidity and reliability of measurement of blood ammonia, the DRI-CHEM 100 (Fuji Film Co., Japan) and COBAS 8000 (Roche Diagnostic Ltd., Switzerland) analyzer were used for analysis of ammonia level values. The results of this study detected a high correlation between analyzer. Therefore, one-step measurement was suitable for ammonia analysis. After sampling of the ammonia in the time slot for measurement an increase to 46.5, 57.4, and 79.0 (${\mu}g/dL$) was observed at 30, 90, and 180 minutes. In addition, specific capacity of the ammonia, 7, 10, and 13 (${\mu}L$), was measured as 39, 46, and 43 (${\mu}g/dL$), respectively, and the FDC-100 analyzer was more effective in $10{\mu}L$ (p<0.001). In conclusion, the evaluated analysis may offer useful information for clinical application.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.51-64
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• 2010

Objectives : To introduce and compare various headache measurement tools, in order to provide fundamental information for future clinical trials and development of oriental medicine measurement tools. Methods : Eight headache assessment scales, Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire(MQoLQ), Migraine-Specific Quality of Life(MSQOL), Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire(MSQ), The Headache Impact Questionnaire(HImQ), Headcahe Needs Assessment Survey(HANA), Henry Ford Headache disability Inventory(HDI), Migraine Disablity Assessment Scale(MIDAS) and Headache Impact Test(HIT-6), were searched through Pubmed. General character, the process of development, verification of reliability, internal consistency, responsiveness to patient's change and validity were reviewed. Results : In assessing the quality of life of migraine patients, MQoLQ can be used to measure the change within 24 hours, MSQ and MSQOL can be used to measure the change during a relatively longer period of time. The frequency and bothersomeness of headache can be easily measured by HANA. HImQ can be used to measure the intensity of headache and the influence on normal daily activities. HDI can measure the emotional difficulties of headache patients. HIT-6 and MIDAS makes measurements possible in a short period of time, and the reliability and validity have been verified numerously. HIT-6 and MIDAS are the most frequently used measurement tools because they are simple and easy for both the assessor and the patient to understand and use. Conclusions : In this study, various headache assessment tools have been reviewed. The assessed tools were widely used after being verified for their reliability and validity. We hope this study provides fundamental information in establishing future clinical trial and clinical practice guidelines. We also hope this study to contribute to the development of an oriental medicine assessment tool for headache.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.60-67
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• 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of DISC behavioral style on the knowledge and clinical performance of nursing students. The subjects of the study were nursing students in the fourth grade of university and the data collection period was from March 2015 to December 2016. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. DISC behavioral style analysis showed that 10.6% were dominant, 33.8% were influence, and 48.5% were steadiness and 7.1% were conscientiousness. Knowledge score in accordance with the measured points of DISC behavioral style did not show differences in the first, but did show differences in the second and third. Conversely, clinical performance score in accordance with the measurement points of DISC behavioral style showed differences in the first, second and third.Knowledge and clinical performance scores revealed significant differences in the interactions between the groups, between measurement points and between groups and measurement points. As a result, DISC behavioral style of nursing college students vary, with each having merits and demerits. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an opportunity to understand these points and to develop merits in order to improve the learning outcomes of the curriculum.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.103-111
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• 2012

Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) is the most important marker for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in NCEP-ATP III(National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III) guideline. Therefore, LDL cholesterol is pathologically meaningful, accurate measurement should be a top priority. Currently, LDLC is directly measured in most cases, but, the estimate is still used in mass health examination or screening test. This study is about the comparison of LDL-Cholesterol direct measurement with the estimate using various formula (Friedewald: [LDL-F=TC-HDL-TG/5], Nakajima: [LDL-N=TC-HDL-TG/4], Hattori: [LDL-H =0.94TC-0.94HDL-0.19TG], Puavilai: [LDL-P=TC-HDL-TG/6], Carvalho: [LDL-C=3(TC-HDL)/4]) for calculating more accurate value. We analyzed total cholesterol (TC), try-glyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and LDLC levels of 210 subjects between June and November in 2011. Until now, the Friedewald formula is the most commonly used estimate for the LDLC. When Friedewald formula was applied, the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.940, showing high correlation. But, the result of the direct method was significantly different, compared with those of the Friedewald formula in triglyceride levels ${\geq}400mg/dL$(p<0.05). There was the highest correlation when we used LDL-P formula(r=0.947) in triglyceride levels <400 mg/dl. Also there was the lowest mean difference regardless of triglyceride level. Therefore, the study showed that TG/6 is more precise means of calculation than TG/5. On the other hand, the calculation of LDL-Cholesterol was underestimated, compared with direct measurement. It is necessary to have more data and modified Friedewald formula should be used for the accurate calculation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.452-462
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• 2023

This scoping review aimed to identify and categorize the available measurement options for vaginal laxity (VL), their indications of use, and whether these measurements can sufficiently provide objective clinical judgment for cases indicated for vaginal rejuvenation with many treatment options nowadays. Systematic searches were conducted on five electronic databases, manually searching articles' bibliographies and predetermined key journals with no date or study design limitations. We included all studies involving VL in their inclusion criteria, treatment indications, and outcome parameters. We used the Arksey and O'Malley frameworks as the guideline in writing this scoping review. Of the 9,464 articles identified, 66 articles and 11,258 subjects were included in the final analysis. The majority of studies were conducted in obstetrics and gynecology (73%), followed by plastic surgery (10%), medical rehabilitation (4.5%), dermatology (4.5%), and others (8%). Most studies originated from the North American region (30%). The following measurement tools were used: (1) interviews, (2) questionnaires, (3) physical/digital examinations, (4) perineometers, and (5) others. Our results suggested that subjective perception of laxity confirmed by directed interview or questionnaire is sufficient to confirm VL. Additional evaluation of pelvic floor muscle through digital examination or perineometer or other preferred tools and evaluation of sexual function through validated questionnaire (Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, etc.) should follow to ensure holistic care to patients. Future research on the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of commonly used measurements and the correlation in between subjective and objective measurements should be initiated before their clinical applications.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

Purpose: The prevalent use of mobile devices may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, such as forward head posture (FHP), among users. The measurement of the craniovertebral angle (CVA) using photographic images is frequently employed in assessing FHP. Although manual CVA measurement using photographic images is reliable in clinical settings, computer programs or mobile applications to support tele-physical therapy are not yet fully developed. Therefore, in the current study, we propose an automatic method for extracting CVA from photographic images of FHP subjects to facilitate tele-physical therapy. Methods: To develop the automatic CVA measuring computer program, photographic images were obtained from 10 FHP participants. The location information obtained from the markers attached to the tragus and the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra were used as coordinates. Using these coordinates, straight line 1 was generated by connecting the seventh spinous process of the cervical vertebra and the tragus, while straight line 2 was drawn parallel to the coordinate obtained from the seventh spinous process of the cervical vertebra. The arc tangent function was used to calculate the angle between the two straight lines. The automatic CVA measurement computer program utilizing photographic images was developed using MATLAB (ver. 2016b). Results: The results showed that the automatic CVA measurement computer program demonstrated stable repeatability and high accuracy. Conclusion: The proposed approach was able to automatically estimate the CVA using photographic images. The developed computer program can potentially be used for easier and more reliable clinical assessment of FHP.